British soul singer Corinne Bailey Rae burst on the music scene in 2006 with her self-titled debut. The airy “Put Your Records On” established her as a promising artist, with its blend of jazz and modern R&B. Other cuts such as “Like A Star” and the funky “I’d Like To” demonstrated her versatility and overall positive outlook. Her second studio album, The Sea, marks a change from her first effort in that it features moody, deeply textured tracks that require repeated listenings to fully absorb their sound.
During The Sea’s recording, Rae’s husband died of an accidental drug overdose in 2008. That event pervades the album, with lyrics clearly reflecting her grief. The muted “Are You Here” seemingly recalls their first meeting: “He’s a real live wire/He’s the best of his kind/Wait till you see those eyes” she sings in a fragile voice. The lead single, the jazz-tinged “I’d Do It All Again,” Rae beautifully expresses that love can cause pain, but is ultimately rewarding: “It’s bigger than the pain you got, for all it hurts/It outruns all of the sadness/It’s terrifying light to the darkness.” But the song ends on an ominous note with the verse “You’re searching for something I know won’t make you happy.” While the mood is somber, the song ultimately communicates hope for love.
Strong drums, deep bass, and rock guitars are buried in the mix, adding additional layers and emotions to each song. “Feels Like the First Time” adds slightly discordant piano and a shuffling rhythm (accented by rhythm guitar), with the lyrics reflecting the less-than-perfect love affair of “Like A Star.” “Love’s on Its Way” sounds like a lament, but like “I’d Do It All Again,” expresses optimism. “I’ve never felt more powerless,” she sings mournfully, but then hopes for new love: “Love’s on its way/I hope it won’t be too late,” she sings. At this refrain the band explodes into a strong, bass-driven beat, suggesting an emotional crescendo of grief. 
Despite the serious underlying meanings on many tracks, The Sea also contains some upbeat, funky moments. “The Blackest Lily” features gospel-tinged organ and a rocking guitar solo, but the arrangement never overshadows Rae’s Minnie Riperton-reminiscent vocals. Fans of her first album will enjoy the slow burn of “Closer,” where she seduces a lover: “I want you to travel with me/Lay loose and let your mind go free.” Jazz trumpet accents Rae’s voice as she confidently rides the groove. As on her first album, Rae displays her versatility on “Paris Nights/New York Mornings,” which contains a straightforward rock tempo.
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Article comments
1 - Emm
Oh wow, that's a really good review. I saw Corinne at Live Earth in 2007 and I was blown away by her talent. I had wondered whether she would be able to pick herself up after his death and I'll definitely go out a listen to this album now.
2 - Clayton Perry
Thanks, Kit, for your WONDERFUL review! ;-)
3 - Mark Saleski
nice review kit. i do have to pick this up. i really loved her first record.
4 - Kit O'Toole
Thanks for all your comments! This is a special album that deserves multiple hearings, as I mentioned. Much to absorb!
5 - Mike Lenox
I am a big Corinne fan based on her earlier work. But, any commercial artist must not forget that, regardless of their personal circumstances, they do not perform for themselves. This album will be eagerly purchased and just as quickly shelved.
6 - Samantha
I disagree with Mike Lenox. Artists works are very often influenced by their personal circumstances - good, bad, or indifferent. Some of her fans may not be able to relate to this album because it doesn't have the same upbeat, positive tone as her first album. But their are plenty of us who can relate to loss and pain, and will find comfort in Corinne's beautiful expression of what we feel inside. We are all (hopefully) evolving and growing as human beings. I hope most of Corinne's fans understand that she was in a different place in her journey when she made this album, and not shelve it just because it's not a mirror image of her first effort.
7 - Old School Music Lover
Kit O'Toole,
Boy do you have an ear for music!! On Closer, Corinne sounds soooooo much like a young Minnie Riperton its scary! Her voice is light yet funky and soooo soulful. Great review of a great artist!
8 - Kit O'Toole
@Old School: Thank you very much!
To all: Interesting discussion! Great art has come from personal tragedy, I believe. Thank you for reading.
9 - Scot
I'm a somewhat new Rae fan, only really enjoyed the singles from the first album.
But I listened to this album and, at first only connected with a few tracks but something kept drawing me back in to keep listening. After 3 or 4 listens I was hooked. Its actually become one of my favourite albums.
Something about the first album I just didn't find that connection with...where as here theres that raw human emotion that comes from personal tragedy while still maintaining that hope that pulls us all through difficult times.
I've had a very tough year myself so perhaps this album just came along at the right time for me.